Navigation

Grading Policy

• Home
• Contact

The Orchestra

• Non-Varsity
• Varsity
• Symphony
• The Director
• Orchestra Officers

Information

• Calenders
• Grading Policy
• Forms
• Instrument Usage
• Uniforms
• FAQ
• Chair Tests
• UIL
• Region Audition
• State Audition

Misc

• Radio

Links Out

• CHS Homepage
• Parent Connection
• Cougar Band

Grades:

Grades are calculated based on participation in the following:

Daily participation in class (50%) - students will receive a weekly grade based on daily class participation. A student will receive a zero for non-participation. A student will receive points off for tardiness, or being unprepared for class. In order for a student to fully participate in class or rehearsals he/she must bring required materials to class (instrument, music, pencil), and be familiar with the music (practice!). Students must be on time to class in order to receive full credit.

Tests/Concerts/Rehearsals (50%) - Playing tests will be given several times throughout the year. Each test determines a grade. Some tests will also be considered seating tests. The grade is based on the student's knowledge of music worked on in class, and how the student handles orchestral conduct, intonation, dynamics, and rhythm. Orchestral conduct refers to being on time to class, being quiet during instruction and performance, and responding promptly and appropriately to the conductor's instruction.

Students will receive a grade for participation in all concerts. Rehearsals held outside of class time are also graded each 6 weeks.

Final Exams: A written or playing final exam will be given at the end of each semester over material covered in class, and will count as 20% of the student's final grade.

Discipline Procedures:

Procedures for discipline will follow those stated in the Student-Parent Handbook. In most cases of discipline, students will be given a verbal warning on the first offense, and appropriate action will be taken for further offenses. Each student and parent must also sign a behavior contract. We strive to promote Orchestra as an upstanding organization of our school, district, and community. If a member of the orchestra exhibits repeated disciplinary offenses, or behavior deemed unacceptable by the director, he/she may lose the privilege to be in orchestra. Serious offenses involving violence, tobacco, alcohol, drugs, or controlled substances will result in dismissal from the orchestra program.

Rehearsals Outside of Class Time:

Rehearsals or sectionals outside class time are mandatory for all students. If the student must miss a rehearsal he/she must submit the absence in writing with the director prior to the rehearsal in order for it to be excused (emergencies excepted). Mrs. Nguyen will decide whether the rehearsal is excused or unexcused. If the absence is not cleared before the rehearsal, the student will not receive credit for that rehearsal. If a student misses rehearsals unexcused he/she will be moved back in chair position or removed from orchestra at the discretion of the director.

Students in athletics and other activities: Please give your coach/sponsor a copy of your orchestra schedule at the beginning of the year. Discuss potential conflicts so that they can be resolved ahead of time. I will not contact coaches/sponsors at the last minute to get you excused. DO NOT expect to be excused by anyone if you wait until the last minute. In most cases a compromise can be made for students to participate in orchestra and other activities without penalty, but it is the student's responsibility to work out these schedule conflicts.